by Jon Bosworth
Fresh cut grass, vibrant blooming flowers, sun soaked students, and an indescribable buzz on campus; that’s Oregon State University in the spring. You see, there’s no better place to be in the spring than Corvallis, Oregon. I don’t know if it’s the anticipation of sun built up over several rainy months, the natural beauty offered by the Willamette Valley, or all of the events and activities associated with springtime, but it’s an amazing time of the year. Coupled with the beauty and warmth provided by the weather, comes a host of activities and events on and off campus to keep you busy throughout the term.
On campus there are a ton of events and festivals throughout the spring, beginning with Mom’s Weekend in early-May and culminating with commencement in mid-June. In addition to these events there is the ever-popular Dam Jam, where MUPC (the Memorial Union Programming Council) invites a well-known musical artist to play a huge concert in the quad! Check out the OSU Calendar for more events: http://calendar.oregonstate.edu
Outside of Oregon State is the place to fully enjoy the spring. Corvallis is the place to be if you enjoy the outdoors, there are numerous hiking, biking, and running trails as well as breathtaking destinations close to town. Some of my favorite places to hike are Bald Hill, which is a quick walk from campus, Chip Ross Park, and Mary’s Peak. Mary’s Peak is the highest point in the coastal range and offers breathtaking views of both the Willamette Valley and the coast after an enjoyable hike. If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, there are great restaurants, coffee shops, and clothing stores downtown that can be a part of your day after visiting the Corvallis Farmers’ Market. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings be sure to go down to 1st street and take advantage of fresh produce and flowers, unique art and much more at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market. No matter what your interest is, I guarantee that Corvallis’ springtime whether will be perfect for you!
Don’t get discouraged if the weather seems to be playing with you, it probably is. Just trust me, a morning that starts out like this,
can quickly turn to this:
